Quiz: Howstuffworks

Is Your Brain More Carpenter or Electrician?

Teresa McGlothlin

Image: Caiaimage/Martin Barraud / OJO+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Without the carpenters and electricians of the world, we would be sitting outside in the dark! Both jobs need a certain set of skills, and not everyone is cut out for either field. After we test your brain's ability to solve common problems and the way you think, we'll be able to tell you which way you lean. We'll also let you know if you should consider another type of job altogether.

You've probably heard about the concept of being left-brained or right-brained, but it can be applied in different ways. Once we measure your handy skills, your physical skills and the way you deal with everyday issues, it will be clear if you're more electrician-minded or carpenter-minded. All you have to do is use that thing between your ears and choose the response that sums you up best.

You might be an apprentice or you could be an independent contractor, but it's important to make sure you're working the right job. During this quiz, everything you tell us will point to one or the other. When you're done, you will certainly want to get up and fix something.

Carpenter or electrician? Which one do your thoughts make you most like?

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How do you flex your brain's muscles to keep it running at max performance?

I do a lot of puzzles.

A brain like mine doesn't need exercise.

Getting enough sleep is vital.

I try to keep my life stress- and drama-free.

John M Lund Photography Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images

When you are at work, what do you tend to daydream about?

Food

My sweetheart

A nap

My next vacation

Exxorian / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images

Right-brained or left-brained? Which side of your brain do you use more?

I think I'm more right-brained.

It really depends on what I'm doing.

My left brain dominates the show.

I don't believe in the concept. I use all of my brains.

Altor Diago / Moment / Getty Images

Your refrigerator has decided to go on the fritz. What's your first thought?

I'll take it apart and try to fix it.

I had better put some ice in the bathtub.

I guess I'm going to the appliance store.

I might be able to build a cold shelter in the backyard.

Martin Barraud / OJO Images / Getty Images

Think of your brain like a command center. What is it telling you about your job future?

Run away immediately

Go back to school

Stick with it until something better comes along

Apply for that promotion

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You are experiencing a power outage. How do you light up a room?

I keep a lot of candles around.

A headlamp on a water jug throws out a lot of light.

I think it's a perfect time for a nap.

I have a few old lanterns.

Tara Moore / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Your mouth doesn't always say what your brain thinks. Do you have a hard time holding back?

I'm always mouthing off.

I tend to hold back too much.

I speak up when it's important.

It depends who you ask!

GCShuuter / E+ / Getty Images

When you're with your friends, are you called a nerd or a genius more often?

They say nerd, but I hear genius.

I am the group nerd.

They are too polite for such boring labels.

I hear that they call me a genius.

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Hmm ... your car won't start. How do you diagnose the problem?

I break out the manual.

I have an auto club for that.

I pop the hood and start poking around.

I would call a mechanic friend.

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Look inside your toolbox. Which of these tools do you use most often?

Hammer

Wrench

Screwdriver

Level

Andresr / E+ / Getty Images

If you were going to remodel your home, where would you start?

I would start with a bulldozer.

The kitchen needs an upgrade the most.

I would love to revamp my bedroom.

The outdoor space needs an upgrade more than my house.

Marlene Ford / Moment / Getty Images

Your toilet keeps running and it's costing you money. How do you make it stop?

I have a plumber on speed dial.

First, I would turn off the valve.

It probably just needs a new flap thingy.

I guess it's time to buy a new toilet.

NatalieShuttleworth / Moment / Getty Images

When you were a kid, were you more into trucks or treehouses?

I had both!

I liked video games a lot more.

I always wanted a treehouse, but I had a fort.

I was all about dump trucks.

valentinrussanov / E+ / Getty Images

Your phone is frozen! How are you going to get it to work again?

I live really close to the phone store.

I'm going to look up the reset procedure.

I don't know, but I'm going to say bad words.

I have a tech-savvy friend who can help.

Luis Alvarez / DigitalVision / Getty Images

When you are in a work meeting, do you find it hard to pay attention?

I would rather do anything else.

It depends what we're talking about.

I'm usually leading the meetings.

When some people are talking, I nod off.

Jasmin Merdan / Moment / Getty Images

What might you do to beef up a home's security?

I would install motion sensors.

I have a security company.

We have lots of streetlights.

I would add cameras to the property.

Fotografixx / E+ / Getty Images

Do you have a ladder to go up on your roof and clean out your gutters?

Who doesn't have a ladder?

I have a ladder, but it's not long enough.

I have an assortment of ladders.

You're supposed to clean those?

Andrew_Howe / E+ / Getty Images

There's a mouse in your house. How do you get it out?

Those radio transmitter things work wonders.

I'm going to move out instead.

I'll build a humane trap.

I have cats for that purpose.

Juj Winn / Moment Open / Getty Images

If we looked in your junk drawer, what kind of tape would we find?

Electrical

Invisible tape

Duct tape

Masking tape

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You're looking to buy a home. What is most important to you?

Age

Price

Location

Size

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Are you as handy in the kitchen as you are around the house?

I'm better in the kitchen.

I think it's a tie.

You do not want me making dinner.

I can cook enough to avoid starving.

GeorgePeters / E+ / Getty Images

If you were updating your kitchen, would you add smart appliances?

They are a necessity these days.

I'm too afraid they would go out of date.

Regular appliances work just fine.

I would love a smart fridge.

Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images

When you hang a picture, how do you do it?

I screw it to the wall.

I buy some of those hanging strips.

I attach proper wire hangers.

I put in a nail and slap it up there.

JPM / Image Source / Getty Images

Think really hard. Which one of these things makes your brain hurt?

Computer viruses

Balancing my bank account

Sudoku

Anything my boss says

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If you were the lead carpenter or electrician, how would you run your crew?

I'm sure I would be strict.

We would be an efficient crew.

I would be very laid back.

I would lead by example.

Manuel Breva Colmeiro / Moment / Getty Images

Out of these household tasks, which one is your least favorite?

Garbage

Dishes

Mowing

Laundry

Monty Rakusen / Cultura / Getty Images

If you could learn any new trade, what would it be?

Landscaping

Plumbing

Electrician

Extermination

David Sacks / DigitalVision / Getty Images

You're going to sell a home. How would you improve it before you list it?

Installing a smart thermostat is a good idea.

I would upgrade the bathroom fixtures.

I'm sure I would make sure the roof was sound.

Every home can use a coat of fresh paint.

Pekic / E+ / Getty Images

Being a carpenter can be a dirty job. Do you mind getting dirty at work?

It doesn't bother me.

It comes with the territory.

It makes me feel like I've put in a good day's work.

I prefer to stay as clean as I can.

Alvarez / E+ / Getty Images

Do you think your brain is better with words or with numbers?

I'm pretty good with numbers.

Words are my thing.

I'm a math whiz.

I'm not bad at either thing.

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